However, you’re a creative person and too much structure can limit you. Imagine if you perform the same tasks every single day. You’d limit yourself, right?

While I absolutely support creating writing rituals, I also think it’s important to find things that bring you joy, inspire you, and make you think. There are many ways to find this joy and inspiration.

You can read – blogs, newspapers, journals, and even social networking posts. Find other writers who challenge you to think differently.

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Visual stimulation – personally I am inspired by images. One good picture can generate an entire daydream in my imagination. Images that are beautiful or funny are of course pleasurable. However, images that offend and disturb can provide value too. Pinterest is a lovely way to spend a few minutes exposing yourself to beauty and inspiration. (take care because it can be a time suck and a distraction too.)

Music – music inspires and brings joy to millions daily. I have a few channels on Pandora that I regularly cycle through including The Ramones and a classical channel.

Spend time each day getting out of your routine and mixing things up. Listen to new music (or music you haven’t listened to in a long time). View image and read material that challenges you. Stepping outside of your routine will undoubtedly inspire new story ideas and creative pathways.

Happy Writing!

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.

-William Wordsworth

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There’s nothing better for clarity about life, love, and happiness than death.

That universal equalizer brings every priority right up front.

It’s not necessarily the fear of death I think that brings clarity but rather the realization that the end is (or might be) near.

It’s the “what have I done with my life?” question that suddenly requires an answer.

Today’s Story Starter

Your hero or heroine is facing this dilemma. They’re about to go into battle or put themselves in danger. You decide who is putting themselves in danger and why. Maybe your hero is going to rescue his girlfriend’s daughter from the mob or from bad ranchers.

Maybe your heroine is going to do battle with a demon. this story starter lends room for any genre. Maybe they’re heading into the jungle in search of an elusive plant and remedy to save someone they love. Have fun with it.

Start your story with, “You’re afraid I am going to die tonight?”

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Personally, it’s been a rough couple of months here but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. One of the things that has gotten me through the tough days is my nightly pampering ritual.

I keep a pretty glass container full of Epsom salts mixed with fresh lavender oil.

Each night I sprinkle about a cup of the salts into a hot bath and I sit back and relax. Sometimes I watch indulgent television. Other nights I read  magazines and listen to music.

I’ve even been known to edit manuscripts while taking my nightly bath. Sometimes I just close my eyes and enjoy the silence. Pampering plays a very important role in maintaining my sanity and composure (I have two teenage daughters. It’s necessary!)

How Do You Like to Pamper Yourself?

While a nightly bath may not be your idea of pampering, certainly there are indulgences you enjoy. Here are a few suggestions or ideas:

• Get a manicure or pedicure
• Get a facial
• Get a massage
• Enjoy a leisurely walk in the sunshine
• Take a nap
• Enjoy a sauna or jacuzzi (Check out your local rec center. My local rec center has a sauna that is rarely used. )
• Spend an afternoon reading for pleasure
• Take a class that interests you
• Buy new makeup, candles, or bath and body treatments and try them out.
• Enjoy a taste of your favorite food or dessert

Pampering yourself is a good way to get your life in balance. As a writer it’s easy to spend all of your free time focusing on your manuscript however, that often leads to an overall feeling of disenchantment with your story and dissatisfaction with your life. Not good!

Writing should be fun. Take time for yourself every once in a while. It makes a difference.

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I love getting free romance books to read.

First, they’re free and that’s pretty wonderful, right?

Secondly, they’re usually books I would overlook at the bookstore so it’s a wonderful way to learn about new writers and romance genres.

Romantic Times has a fun Valentine’s Week Giveaway along with a super list of recommended reads. I’ve read many on the list and they’re top notch.

You can access the giveaway and the list here

Writing About Sex?

I often skip the sex scenes when I write. I save them until I’m “In the mood.” Yet, to be honest I find that the sex scenes are incredibly difficult to write well. Sure you can choreograph a ‘he puts his __ into her ___” but that’s not fun to read.

Check out this well written post on WriteSex.com, Describing Bodies in Erotica.

Eye Candy

And for a little fun, flirty, and seriously yummy eye candy check out this beautiful website, blog and newsletter from Christine Rose Elle.

And for kicks and a giggle check out the rock climbing calendar packed with pictures of route setters and climbers in their underwear – you can download this year’s calendar for $2.99 or get last years calendar for free.

-Louise L. Hay

Your heroine gets a new pair of glasses but someone has mixed her prescription up with another patient’s.

Who is he and what does she see when she puts on her glasses?

Did you know that today is National Umbrella Day?

Tomorrow is Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. It’s also Make a Friend Day and White T-Shirt Day.  Mmmm, I can think of some nice images to fill a white t-shirt. How about James Dean for starters?

Nice, right?

We’ll here are some more nice things…

Check out this nice article over at my old haunt, Romantic Times Book Reviews – It’s an informative piece on self publishing titled “Is The Self-Publishing Phenomenon Going To Burst?”

They also have this handy listing of Ten Places Now Accepting Manuscripts: February Edition.

and for a little lighthearted fun, check out this video:

The Inevitable Sh*T Agents and Editors Say:

Find A Writing Mentor.

Your mentor doesn’t have to be another writer but it could be. You want to find someone who will listen to your ideas and will be honest enough with you to tell you they stink if that’s the case. You need someone who will cheer you on at the same time they’re telling you the character doesn’t work.

It can also help to find another writer who inspires you to write your very best. It doesn’t mean you have to emulate them, however following their career and heeding their advice can help.

-Orson Scott Card